i would say focus on cardio so get on the treadmill, rowing machine, bikes, swimming if you have access to a pool. i see so many people who start doing weights at the gym to loose weight and get little results because they only do lifting. cardio is more important. you can get good muscle definition from cardio such as running and swimming but you won't get the benefits of cardio work from weights. once upon a time there were no gyms with fancy machines and weights so i don't really see the need for weights ect. i like doing push ups, sit ups, chin ups, yoga and rock climbing for strength work.

Hi there RawConnection,

Currently I am being whipped by my personal trainer so if you have any questions whatsoever I am more than happy to ask for you!

Buttocks... Well this is the one for you then (I cringe each time she gives it to me!) Lunges! I'm now being given weights to hold whilst doing 3x sets of 18 lunges. Go down to the ground as far as possible and it's 18 each leg by the way  These lunges are standing in the one spot, however I have had to experience the, one step then lunge, take another step then lunge again and so on for 10 metres and then backward lunges for 10 metres. I've been told I'll have butts of steel in no time hee hee well we'll see, but I enjoy the challenge most days!

I can't tell you this enough... Stretch all the time. Stretching will tone you up and keep you from cramping. A few years ago I stretched myself into a fantastic body shape, I was absolutely amazed at my figure and I walked a lot. That was it!

I lost my ways and I lost my strength to want to be at a gym but have passed through that baloney now with a fab new raw eating plan. I am losing weight and toning up all at the same time by doing both cardio and weights. A bit of both I believe is the key but being smart with your inake of food is also very important. Be kind to your body and your body will be kind in return!

To strip my layers off my tummy and tighten it up I am currently working with a Yoga Ball. They usually come with a booklet to help you with exercises, by the way here on the Gold Coast (Oz) we have a Stocktake Sale at Myers this Tuesday up to 30-40% off many items in the store  I threw this in incase you want to buy one!!

Oh, the rowing machine is great as it works on just about all muscles in your body and I give myself a time to try and beat each time I'm on it. Doesn't have to be much, I'm happy with an extra metre at the moment!

Anywho, I hope I was some help to you and I wish you an energetic start into becoming another member of the wannabe's..... "butts of steel crew" Go get em' tiger

Kindest Regards,
Salt water xoox

You cannot spot reduce fat.
Doing crunches does not eliminate fat from your stomach,
working out the glutes does not get rid of fat on the glutes.
It just doesn't work like that.

If you want to lose fat, you're just going to have to eat a sensible diet, and exercise using a combination of cardio and strength training. The working out isn't even necessary, but it is healthier to get the nutrition from a higher amount of calories and work them off rather than just not eating those calories.
Places on your body where you both store and lost fat from first is one of the few things that is completely determined by genes.

But once you get down to a low enough BF% (bodyfat percentage) you will be happy with how your legs, etc. look.

Just don't go starving yourself now!

Roller-blading. 

I'm sure there would be a gym-machine equivalent to work the same area too!

Although... as boxcarguy says, there is no 'spot reducing' method of body-fat loss.  Although working out different areas gives them definition, which can generally make one happy with the progress.

Hi Annette,

When I started to lose weight from stretching and just walking I must say I was confused too but highly excited! 
I then carried my motivation through to eating better and feeling like true magic.

Anyhow, when the muscle is stretched so is the muscle spindle. The muscle spindle records the change in length and how fast and sends signals to the spine which convey this information. This triggers the stretch reflex which attempts to resist the change in muscle length by causing the stretched muscle to contract.
The more sudden the change in muscle length, the stronger the muscle contractions will be. Jump training can be proven with this fact actually!
This basic function of the muscle spindle helps to maintain muscle tone and to protect the body from injury!

Have a lovley evening
salt water

G'day Jen,

I agree totally that it all needs to be taken into account for a pure delightful way to lose weight and tone yourself in a healthy and constructive manner. I find as you start the momentum the excitement carries you further with the "want" to be more healthy. But hey thats just me!

Different body structures and types are definitely something to be aware of too as I probably was thinking a little bit too much into the catagory of being self-centred, so thanks for the knock in the head  as I truly do hear ya!

Hope you and the fam are well!! How are those nuggets in the bag going??? 

Kind Regards,
Salt water

Oh sorry, your dogs nuggets mwahahaha
That story brings a smile to my dile every couple days still!
It's a treasure and I'm truly thankful to have the funny show in my imagination from your detailed post!

It's my pick me up when ever I need a  a crack up.